Not a TR, but a really really long post
This was a last minute trip. We love San Antonio and among other things wanted to get in a trip to Sea World before it got too hot in Texas. This is not a trip report. Just a little bit about what we did and some pictures.
We have annual passes to Sea World, and it is close, so when we go there is little to no pressure to “do it all” which is nice.
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency on the Riverwalk. We have never stayed downtown before, we normally pick something closer to Sea World or Fiesta Texas (the Six Flags park in San Antonio). I liked having so many dinner choices within walking distance, and it is very pretty. The pool is on the rooftop and I am not a huge fan of high places, the pool was small and seems like an afterthought, but the view was very nice. I would say the Hyatt is more of an Adult hotel than a kid one, but the kids loved being there. They thought it was so cool to ride in glass elevators. They also have a great kids menu which you can order from in room, or at their restaurant.
I have no Hyatt or Riverwalk photos. I forgot to upload my pictures from the last day of school to my computer so they were still on my memory card. I didn't have much space and my photo program seems to get really confused if I delete a picture from the card. It leaves a ghost and my computer no like that. So I couldn't even delete the bad ones to make more room.
I packed the night before we left and finished up in the morning. We only need a few changes of clothing and swim suits. I had a suitcase on the bedroom floor to throw things into. Quiet predictably Mr. Silly stubbed his toe on it right before bed. It is not a vacation unless Mr. Silly damages his foot in some way. Really.
We drove straight to Sea World from Austin and made great time. I think 1:40 or so on the road.
I was a little worried it would be crowded. We went on Wednesday and it was the opening day for their Summer season (which means they are open on week days not just weekends/holidays) and a new ride was open, Atlantis. Part roller coaster, part water ride, big time hyped. Max couldn’t wait to ride it. (me too).
The parking lot was empty. Wooo Hooo!!

Still we went straight to Atlantis to ride. I think the wait was about 10 minutes. Max got soaked, so he loved it. Last summer he spent the whole summer trying to get soaked at Sea World. He sat in every splash zone, and he never got more than damp. So he was happy.
Sophia and Mr. Silly did not ride. Mr. Silly does not like to get soaked at amusement parks. His feet are water magnets, and always seem to get soaked. This gives him blisters, so he finds it less than thrilling. Sophia is timid on rides. She is a watcher. She needs to see the ride in action and get first hand reports before she is willing to jump on board. Funny as she is the daredevil at home, Max the cautious one. At theme parks they reverse roles.
Next up was the Dolphin pool.
This is why I love/hate Sea World. I love to watch the dolphins and feed them and touch them. They are so cool. On the other hand I hate that they live in a concrete pool. Sure it is pretty big, but it is just a huge oval... not very interesting for the Dolphins. They should not be in cages. I know they are either born in captivity or rescues and can’t live in the ocean anymore. Or at least I know that is what Sea World says, I have no idea if it is true or not. All in all I think we spent about half of our time in the park watching and feeding the dolphins. I could spend the whole day there.
We also saw the Beluga Whale show (which features mostly humans) and we caught a feeding at the tropical fish tanks. Not in that order.
We met up with my parents for dinner at a local diner. They also were in San Antonio for a few days, but they did not go into Sea World.
The next day we went back to Sea World for a few hours. We visited the penguins, rode Atlantis again (Just Max and me), and of course spent time with the dolphins. We planned to see the Shamu show but misjudged the line for Atlantis and missed it. Sophia was not pleased.
We saw this guy up close at the Penguin house. Isn’t he adorable?
The kids spent the rest of the day in the pool and lazy river where my parents were staying. They had a blast. Mr. Silly and I went to check out the Hyatt’s timeshare deal. They have an interesting program and the best exchange plan I have ever seen, but timeshares are not for us. Or. The only timeshare I am really interested in is DVC. It didn’t take long so afterwards we relaxed and looked at some of our dinner options. We met back up with my parents and ate at Zumi, on the Riverwalk. It was very yummy. If you ever get the chance go for it!
Friday we had a nice brunch at the hotel and then checked out. We went back to Sea World to see Shamu and ride Atlantis one more time. This time Sophia and Mr. Silly finally rode it too. Mr. Silly did not get soaked feet and Sophia loved it. So much so that she and Max went on it again.
There is also a splash zone at the bottom of the ride. We let the kids get their fill of being splashed before we moved on.
Waiting for it
The wave (this would have been a great photo if the lady in the red shirt had not stepped infront of me right as I took it, oh well)
Happy soaked children
We had time before the Shamu show so Max and I took off across the park to ride a roller coaster. Max loves roller coasters. I love walking across the park holding hands with him, and chatting in line with him while we wait. I also like a good coaster. One of my favorite things about going to any theme park with the kids is how easily they leave the worries of the world behind and just get to be kids. Happy. Carefree. Young. Max will hold my hand or give me a hug in full view of the general public! I love that. He is almost a teen. It is fun and exciting to see him grow, but I wish I could slow it down. It all happens so fast. Wasn't just last week that he threw his sippy cup into Old Faithful?
The Shamu show was, as always, neat. Killer Whales are so pretty. Max sat in the first row of the splash zone. Sophia decided not to and sat a little ways back. Max got soaked. Sophia didn’t. She changed her mind too late so she was disappointed by that. Such is life, even in Sea World.